The organisation behind a multimillion-pound development which could transform Aberdeen’s city centre has urged north-east business leaders to get behind the project.
Proposals to elevate Union Terrace Gardens and cover the Denburn dual carriageway have been presented to more than 200 representatives of local businesses, who were asked to “think with your heart, not your head” and back the plans.
Speaking at a business meeting yesterday, Dave Blackwood, a board member of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), the group leading the project, told the region’s top business leaders the project aimed to “restore civic pride”.
The development was suggested by Sir Ian Wood, chairman of Aberdeen-based energy services company Wood Group, who has pledged £50million to the project.
He is confident the remaining £100million thought to be needed can be secured from government funding and the private sector.
Mr Blackwood said: “The question is do we have a city centre we can be proud of, and I would say the answer is no.
“This is a project where you have to think with your heart, not your head. This is not a commercial project, it is to restore civic pride.”
Mr Blackwood, who is the former head of BP’s North Sea operations, added that the project would be a way for the north-east oil industry to give something back to Aberdeen.
He said: “My generation has been the beneficiary of this industry washing up on our shores, and this project needs to make sure that legacy lasts for future generations.”
After Mr Blackwood’s presentation on the proposal, two north-east businessmen pledged their support to the project.
John Michie, chairman of Aberdeen’s City Centre Association and Charles Skene, who first proposed the idea of raising the gardens in the early 1980s when he was head of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, both back the development.
Speaking after the meeting, Sir Ian Wood said: “When I announced my intention to contribute financially to a project to put the heart back into our city centre, I made it clear that I would do so only if there was resounding support for the project from the public.
“The pledges of support at the meeting are welcome and encouraging, and it is clear that the proposal is gaining momentum, particularly among the wider business community.
“Hopefully, this support will be reflected by the city council and the citizens of Aberdeen when the plans are available and can be consulted on.”